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The Android O is being updated to a new version – Developer Preview 2. It is now termed as the Android O Beta update and is not just limited to developers. The update cycle for ‘O’ will last another three months until a stable Android 8.0 O update is released. Google will also reveal what the “O” stands for. The Beta update comes with some stunning upgrades like fluid experiences. This includes features like Picture-in-picture, Notification dots, Autofill with Google, A home screen for Android TV, Smart Text Selection, TensorFlow Lite, and much more. As the O Developer Preview 2 is now officially called a Public Beta, the system has become quite stable. It brings optimization of OS. The apps now use less memory, storage space, and mobile data. The complete changelog can be found below.
The Android 8.0 O is going to be the next Android OS version of 2017 and henceforth. The first devices to receive the final update of the Android O are Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus Player, Google Pixel, Pixel XL, and Pixel C. Once the AOSP sources are updated, other manufacturers like Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, LG, Huawei, Sony may soon release it for their flagships. Meanwhile, you can download the Android O Beta version and install it right away from below.
We have also listed the latest Google Pixel Launcher Android O release for all Android phones. It is compatible with all Android phones from Android 5.0 Lollipop up to 7.1.2 Nougat.Recently at the Google I/O 2017, the company revealed the plans for the next Android version. Check out the full videos series here. It states that Android O Developer Preview 3 will be launched in the month of June, DP4 in July, and the final roll out will happen later in Q3 of 2017.
What’s new with Android O?
According to the official Android O Google blog, the new Android: O Developer Preview 2 brings Android
- Fluid experiences in Android O.
- Picture-in-picture lets you manage two tasks simultaneously. So you can video call your friend and also text or read some blogs.
- Notification dots is a new way for notification activities.
- Setting up a new device and synchronizing passwords has become simple with Chrome’s Autofill feature, now on Android.
- New Home screen for Android TV has emerged.
- Smart Text Selection will auto determine whether the selected text is an address, URL, telephone number, or email address with on-device machine learning.
- TensorFlow Lite. A machine learning experience for developer partners.
- Android O brings system optimizations to make apps run faster and smoother. Changes in runtime can be found.
- Background limits introduced new limits on background location and wi-fi scans, and changes in the way apps run in the background.
- Android Vitals Dashboards in the Play Console.
- Optimized Android O.
- Google apps use less memory, storage space, and mobile data.
- Keyboard inputs in Google Assistant.
Download and install Android O Public Beta via OTA update easily
This is the easiest way to get the Android O on your Nexus or Pixel phone by signing up for the Android O Beta program and receive an OTA update. All you need to do is go on Google’s Android Beta program website using your Nexus or Pixel phone and follow the instructions there. Once accepted, you will receive an Android O OTA update notification within a few hours. Make sure your Nexus or Pixel device is on stock firmware Android 7.1.1 Nougat or the latest Android 7.1.2 Nougat. If you are already on the Android O Developer Preview 1, then you will receive the Beta update notification. Simply download and install OTA.
However, make sure your Nexus or Pixel device is on stock
firmware Android 7.1.1 Nougat or the latest Android 7.1.2 Nougat. This does not work on rooted phones with TWRP. If you are already on the Android O Developer Preview 1, then you may have already received an OTA. Otherwise, follow the instructions below.
How to install Android O Developer Preview 2 via factory image?
This procedure will perform a clean factory image
installation. You will need to unlock the bootloader first. It will factory reset your device and remove all the apps and data. Perform a full backup before the flash.
Download Android O Beta for your Android
Here are the direct download links for the Android 8.0 O Beta is now available for download on the official Preview.
Device Download Link File type
Nexus 5X bullhead-opp2.170420.017-factory-d856c851.zip factory image
Nexus 6P angler-opp2.170420.017-factory-dd10cede.zip factory image
Nexus Player fugu-opp2.170420.017-factory-156ebb9a.zip factory image
Pixel C ryu-opp2.170420.017-factory-480841cb.zip factory image
Pixel sailfish-opp2.170420.017-factory-58351371.zip factory image
Pixel XL marlin-opp2.170420.017-factory-fe1ac640.zip factory image
Requirements
- Enable OEM unlocking, Advanced Reboot, and USB Debugging option from Developer Options.
- Make sure ADB and the Fastboot environment is setup on your PC. Here is a quick ADB and Fastboot Installer for all.
If you want to revert back to official Android 7.1.2 Nougat, then flash the factory images of the latest Android Security Patch Level.
Installation instructions:
- Download the Android O Developer Preview 2 (Beta) image from above and transfer it to your PC.
- Extract the factory image file to access files like boot.img, system.img, data.img, etc. You will also find a flash-all batch file.
- Connect Android to PC and accept Always allow from this computer when you plug in the device for the first time.
- Reboot Android into bootloader mode or Fastboot mode. To do so, open a command prompt or terminal inside the factory image folder and issue the following command:
How to Root Android O Beta with Magisk v13?
The latest Android O Beta can be rooted using the latest Magisk v13. You will also find the Magisk Manager 5.0 APK from below. First, uninstall the old Magisk Manager and install the new v13.
- Download the Magisk v13 from here. Download the latest zip file from here.
- Make sure TWRP is setup on your Android device. For Google Pixel go here.
- You can also download and install the Magisk Manager 5.0 APK from here. Install it and download the Magisk zip.
- Now reboot to TWRP recovery.
- Tap on install and select the newly downloaded Magisk v13 zip file.
- Reboot to system.
Download latest Google Pixel Launcher O
With the new Android O Beta comes a new Pixel Launcher O-3952143. Simply download the latest APK file from below and install it as normal APK.
- Pixel Launcher O | Download | Mirror | From official Android O Beta